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During the early morning hours of Sunday, July 10, 2005 my wife and I were both arrested for 3rd degree domestic assault. Here are the circumstances:
We had both been drinking at home. I was much drunker than my wife and began yelling at her. She scratched me, caused marks. After this I pushed her by the neck, leaving no marks. At this time she called the police with the intent to have them warn me. She didn't want me to be arrested.
I was completely beligerent and unaware of my wife's actions or intent. When the police arrived, we both gave statements as to what happened. I remember telling the police that I didn't do anything. I really don't remember doing anything. My description of what I did comes from my wife, whom I trust very much.
We were both arrested and spent the night in jail. The police took pictures of the marks on me. The police did not take any pictures of my wife. No protective order was issued.
We went to our arraignment today, both of us pleaded not guilty. A public defender was not assigned to us because the prosecution is not seeking jail time for either of us. No protection order was issued at this time either. We cannot afford an attorney because it would cost $1500 x 2 - the same attorney cannot represent the two of us.
We both realized that we made terrible mistakes and we want to put this whole thing behind us. We've sworn off the alcohol and we have made an appointment to get counseling. We will have attended counseling before our trial date.
Since we are representing ourselves can we talk to the prosecution about our wishes? Can we refuse to testify against each other? What are the chances of getting the charges dropped?
We had both been drinking at home. I was much drunker than my wife and began yelling at her. She scratched me, caused marks. After this I pushed her by the neck, leaving no marks. At this time she called the police with the intent to have them warn me. She didn't want me to be arrested.
I was completely beligerent and unaware of my wife's actions or intent. When the police arrived, we both gave statements as to what happened. I remember telling the police that I didn't do anything. I really don't remember doing anything. My description of what I did comes from my wife, whom I trust very much.
We were both arrested and spent the night in jail. The police took pictures of the marks on me. The police did not take any pictures of my wife. No protective order was issued.
We went to our arraignment today, both of us pleaded not guilty. A public defender was not assigned to us because the prosecution is not seeking jail time for either of us. No protection order was issued at this time either. We cannot afford an attorney because it would cost $1500 x 2 - the same attorney cannot represent the two of us.
We both realized that we made terrible mistakes and we want to put this whole thing behind us. We've sworn off the alcohol and we have made an appointment to get counseling. We will have attended counseling before our trial date.
Since we are representing ourselves can we talk to the prosecution about our wishes? Can we refuse to testify against each other? What are the chances of getting the charges dropped?
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